President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has celebrated the reopening of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), calling it “another notable achievement in 2024” that reinforces confidence in his administration.
In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu emphasised the importance of reviving the refinery, which had been inactive for several years.
He said the move aligns with his government’s commitment to boosting domestic refining capacity and positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s downstream petroleum sector.
The Warri Refinery, with a processing capacity of 125,000 barrels per day, is now operating at 60% capacity. Tinubu described this milestone as a step forward in his broader strategy to ensure energy security and efficiency for the nation.
“The restart of Warri Refinery today brings joy and gladness to me and Nigerians. This will further strengthen the hope and confidence of Nigerians for a greater and better future that we promised.
“This development is a remarkable way to end the year following the feat recorded earlier with the old Port Harcourt Refinery. I am equally happy that NNPC Limited is implementing my directive to restore all four refineries to good working condition,” the President said.
He commended NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, and his team for their efforts in restoring Nigeria’s oil refining capabilities, describing the development as a restoration of national pride.
“I congratulate Mele Kyari and his team for their dedication in implementing my directive to bring all four refineries back to operational status. Their work is essential to re-establishing Nigeria as a hub for crude oil refining in Africa,” Tinubu added.
